You're going to make mistakes at work. Perhaps you're in the
middle of a presentation to your business team, and you spot a major
typo. Or your boss's email made you so angry that you share a scathing
diatribe with a co-worker, later realizing you hit "reply all" when
sending your message. Maybe you complained about a team member in the
kitchen, and he walked in to hear every scornful word.

It's
happened to all of us, and it's not fun. However, you can atone for your
workplace sins. Take responsibility and quickly remedy the harm you've
caused. Determine if your mistake is of the professional or personal
kind and figure out how you can fix it.

1. Weigh the impact of your mistake: You
need to figure out how big a mistake you've made and how to apologize
without blowing it up into an even bigger issue -- or worse, not
acknowledging your mistake at all. Always analyze the best medium to use
when apologizing, whether it's via email, face-to-face or a public
announcement. If you mocked a co-worker who was right behind you, go to
her directly. There's no need for a grandiose public apology, but an
email is not personal enough.

2. Apologize quickly and sincerely:
Transparency is best, and you should take full responsibility for your
actions. Attempting to be elusive to save face rarely works, and
dallying doesn't help matters either, so make your apology clear, to the
point and sincere. Don't overdramatize or make excuses for your
actions. Just apologize.

3. Be able to laugh at yourself:
There's no point in throwing yourself into a complete tizzy unless
you've broken a cardinal rule, such as flinging an expletive directly at
the CEO.
Otherwise, know how to laugh at yourself if it's something non-personal
and minor like typos or unintended accidents. Still apologize, but
recognize that you're only human and that everyone makes mistakes.

4. Take preventive measures:
As part of your apology, provide reassurance that you'll do your best
to never let it happen again. The bigger the blunder, the more
reassurance you'll need to provide. If typos or smaller issues were the
offender, having someone edit your work can help minimize such mistakes
in the future. When it comes to bigger mistakes, like an infamous "reply
all" or being caught slandering your co-worker, just let the person or
your boss know that if you have serious concerns you'll just address
them in person next time.

Shane Wagg of marketing agency Search Tactix shared some mistakes he's encountered at his own company and while working with other companies.

"As
an employer, I have had employees come to me with pained looks on their
faces admitting to an oversight or error which could have resulted in financial
liability," Wagg says. "But they got in front of it and in front of a
manager sooner rather than later, which helped to contain the damage.

"And speaking of [other work-related errors], one of the larger technology
companies in the world came to us with a pitch idea this week, and a
competitor's name [was] on it. In fact, when we called it out, they
claimed it was a typo," Wagg adds.

So as you can see, everyone
has to be mindful of their work and their mouth in the workplace. If you
have serious concerns about certain issues, talk to your co-workers or
your boss and address them head-on. If you're getting caught in petty
emotional wastelands, take a breath and refocus your energy on your
work.

Consider these telling statistics from a handful of recent studies and surveys:

Managers said they spend, on average, 18 percent of their time dealing with staff conflict, according to an Accountemps survey.

Forty-three percent of employees said they've experienced incivility at work, according to the "Civility in America 2011" poll conducted by Weber Shandwick, its Powell Tate division and KRC Research.

A Baylor University
study found office incivility not only stresses people out during their
working hours but also serves as a significant source of strain and strife at home.

Now more than ever, it's critical to find ways to effectively deal with stress and conflict at work. Following are some tips:

Take rudeness for what it's worth.Being
on the receiving end of an unnecessarily sharp barb or inconsiderate
brush-off can ruin your day. Why let it? Constructive criticism merits
reflection; rudeness does not. So, don't overthink the situation. While
you can't control how someone else treats you, you can limit how much it
affects you. A person's poor manners or behavior says less about you
than it does about him or her.

Don't go it alone.What
do you say at the end of a hard day when you're asked about work? "I
don't want to talk about it" is a common response. But in many cases,
bottling your feelings only exacerbates the problem.

Opening up
to supportive friends or family can be cathartic. Likewise, seeking the
wisdom of a mentor or sharing work-related war stories with a trusted
member of your network often yields valuable insights and new coping
strategies.

Rise above the fray.Pessimism is
contagious, and it's all too easy for chronic complainers to bring
others down. Don't get caught up in the negativity. It's possible to
keep tabs on office undercurrents without feeding the grapevine with
additional gripes, groans or gossip. Displaying a toxic attitude doesn't
solve anything, but it will likely make you look bad -- and feel worse.

Give yourself a break. You might believe you can't afford to take time off.But
can you afford not to? Whether you jet off to a tropical island or do a
"staycation," stepping away to recharge your batteries is healthy.
Getting some distance and decompressing has a way of putting even your
biggest workplace woes in perspective.

Similarly, it's smart to
take mini-breaks during the day. When tensions are running high, go for a
quick stroll to collect your thoughts and cool off.

Finally,
take an honest look at yourself. It's very easy to point fingers and
identify others' annoying personality flaws. But what about your own?
Try to be more mindful of how your bad habits, moods and behaviors might
negatively impact co-workers.

We all have days when stress gets
the best of us. If you've been unfairly gruff, critical or impatient
with a colleague, be willing to say, "I'm sorry." Those two simple words
will go a long way toward mending fences.

Few people truly love public speaking.
So when you have to give a big presentation to your boss and a room
full of your peers, it's normal to feel nervous, get a little sweaty and
rejoice once the presentation is over. Yet for some, the idea of public
speaking evokes such fear that it's debilitating and renders them
unable to participate. That kind of anxiety may be considered a social phobia.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health,
an estimated 5.3 million Americans suffer from a social phobia, an
overwhelming anxiety and self-consciousness in social settings. What's
more, the institute estimates that more than one in 10 Americans have
one or more specific phobias. WebMD defines phobia as "a lasting and
unreasonable fear caused by the presence or thought of a specific object
or situation that usually poses little or no actual danger."

A variety of phobias -- both social and specific -- could be manifested at work. Psychologist Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., author of "A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness,"
names fear of heights, elevators, flying and germs as examples of
phobias that could interfere with work. Others may be more specific,
such as the fear of making a decision, the fear of computers or the fear
of speaking on the phone. So what should a worker do if he has a phobia
he believes may hurt his job performance?

Be upfront in an interview If
you have a phobia that is associated with any part of the job
description and you don't think you'll be able to perform that task, you
should be upfront during an interview. "The only time you really need
to mention your phobia during an interview is if the phobia will prevent
you from doing the job for which you are interviewing," Lombardo says.
"For example, many people who are phobic of flying still do actually
fly. So in this case, there is no need to bring up your fear. However,
if you refuse to fly and the job description includes travel that
requires flying, you need to mention this during the interview."

Work with human resourcesA phobia can be considered a disability if it limits a major life activity, says Scott Barer, a labor and employment law attorney.
"For example, if the phobia rises to the level of, or causes, a mental
disorder that limits a major life activity, then the phobia could be
considered a disability," he says. "In that situation, the employee has
rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and likely under similar state laws."

If
the phobia rises to the level of a disability, "then the employer has
to engage the employee -- or applicant -- in an interactive process in
order to try to find a reasonable accommodation that will allow the
employee or applicant to perform the essential functions of his [or] her
job," Barer says. "Only in the rare situation where an accommodation
would cause the employer an undue hardship is the employer not required
to accommodate an employee's disability."

So what does this mean?
If you believe your phobia will get in the way of your job performance,
say something to human resources, and they can work with you to develop a
plan that will work for both you and the company.

Build confidenceIf
having to deal with a phobia in your workplace is inevitable, Lombardo
recommends gradual exposure as a way to build confidence and address the
fear. "Take smaller steps to allow you to be more comfortable," she
suggests. "For example, if you are fearful of giving a presentation, try
speaking in front of a group of three to five people for five minutes,
three times a week. As you do, your fear will decrease. Then, increase
the number to seven to eight people." Beyond working with co-workers,
Lombardo also suggests looking into organizations that help build
specific skills. One such company is Toastmasters International, which is dedicated to helping members improve their speaking and leadership skills.

Attempt to overcome your phobiaLombardo shares three tips for working to overcome your phobia:

Address your stress:
Phobias become stronger when overall stress levels are high. So take
steps to reduce stress, such as meditation, exercise or deep breathing.

Distraction:
What you focus on gets bigger, so, for example, rather than focusing on
your fear that the plane will crash, distract yourself by having a few
good movies and magazines available to keep your mind on something else.
The topic should be light, not stressful.

Exposure:
Ironically, avoiding your fear makes it stronger. A technique called
systematic desensitization causes you to couple your fear with
relaxation techniques. So, just like how Pavlov's dog salivated at the
sound of the bell, people's bodies will relax, or at least not be so
tense, when they are exposed to their phobia.

Seek helpThe
best approach to overcoming a phobia is to seek help. While every
phobic person is unique and requires a treatment plan that specifically
addresses his phobia, Lombardo says that phobias are very treatable with
the right approach. "Sites like PsychologyToday.com,
and many insurance company sites, allow you to search for a
psychologist by location and specialty -- in this case, phobias,"
Lombardo says. "If you are really in a bind for money, community mental
health center[s] could be an option. Or look into a local graduate
program for psychologists or counselors. Often students, under the
supervision of licensed professionals, will work with clients for little
or no money."

In today's technology-driven
workforce, it's easier than ever to set up a home office and work
remotely. There are a lot of reasons people work from home: They move to
a new city but remain with the same company; they have children and
can't pay for a full week of day care;
they are self-employed. Working from home has its benefits: They have
more flexibility, they can spend more time with their children, and they
more easily avoid common workplace distractions.

Yet those advantages can just as easily become disadvantages. No set schedule, personal distractions and less face-to-face communication with co-workers can suck the life out of your productivity. In fact, a recent CareerBuilder survey found that 17 percent of Americans who telecommute
at least part of the time spend one hour or less per day on work. So
how can you avoid being one of the 17 percent? Here are some tips for
making working from home work for you.

Create a daily schedule and stick to itWhile
increased flexibility is a benefit of working from home, it's important
that you still have some structure to your day. Create a schedule that
works best for you and stick to it so you form a daily routine. Consider
both personal and professional factors when creating the schedule. Do
you like to work out? Do you have daily check-in calls with co-workers?
Do you need to pick up your kids at a certain time? Then work around
those factors to plan your day. Also, determine the time of day when you
are most productive, whether it's right when you wake up or early
afternoon, and designate it as the time to accomplish your most
important tasks.

Merrily Orsini, president and CEO of Internet marketing
firm corecubed, which operates as a remote workplace, also suggests
implementing a project management program, such as BaseCamp, that does
some of the work for you by assigning tasks and timelines.

Share your schedule with family and friendsOften,
one of the biggest distractions is family and friends -- they assume
that since you're working from home, you have time to meet them for
coffee, run errands or do household chores. To ensure others around you
respect your unique work situation, share your schedule with them and be
firm about it. "Tell family and friends you have business hours," says
Karen Southall Watts, consultant, coach and speaker
on the topic of working from home. "Don't allow those around you to
assume that because you're working from home you have endless 'free
time' to entertain drop-in visitors or run their errands."

Write out your to-do list the night beforeIn
order to hit the ground running each day, take time at the end of each
day to write your to-do-list. "Plan in advance the three to four tasks
that you must accomplish, and focus solely on those," says Tim Parkin,
president of Parkin Web Development, based in Orlando, Fla.
"Be sure to include any fixed events such as lunch meetings, conference
calls, etc. Forming this plan the night before is a good exercise to
clear your mind from the day and be prepared to tackle the next in the
most efficient manner." Parkin recommends referring to your list
throughout the day to help stay on track.

Deal with distractions effectivelyWhile
working at home may help you avoid common workplace interruptions,
there is a whole other set of distractions one can encounter when
telecommuting. The best way to avoid disturbances is to set up a home
office that resembles one found in the workplace. If possible, find an
area with a door that can be shut, and don't be afraid to use a "privacy
please" sign for extra emphasis during those high-productivity hours or
while on a conference call. Also, rid your home office of any
distractions such as TVs
or pets. "I know it's hard, but sometimes you have to switch off the
television," says Louise Gaillard, writer, book production consultant
and owner of One Stop Books. "It is a drag on your productivity,
especially when your favorite show is on. Turn on music instead;
listening to your favorite playlist helps make you more productive."

Kids
are often a source of distraction, so scheduling them into your workday
will help you avoid getting off track. "If you have kids coming home
from school in the afternoon, stop working when they arrive, and spend
an hour with them," says E. William Horne, owner of William Warren
Consulting, who works from home himself. "Ask them about their
schoolwork, cover the homework that they're going to do, and help them
plan how to get it done. Then kick them out."

Take breaks There
are some good kinds of distractions; ones that can help with
productivity by breaking up your day. If you sit and stare at a computer
all day long without getting up or taking a few minutes to recharge,
you're bound to lose focus. Parkin suggests taking breaks by getting up,
having a drink and walking around for a few minutes. That way, when you
get back to work you'll be more focused on what needs to be done.

Parkin
also recommends getting personal tasks accomplished early in the day so
they don't become distractions. "If you're an early bird, wake up
sooner to take care of personal matters first thing in the morning. Not
only will your chores be out of the way, but your mind will be freed up
to focus on the work at hand."

When the workday ends, stop workingCareerBuilder's
survey also found that 35 percent of telecommuters work eight or more
hours. That's often because they don't have a concrete end to their day,
so they end up finishing projects or answering emails well into the
evening. Horne recommends establishing a reasonable and realistic
quitting time, and sticking to it. "It's important to feel like you're
'off the clock' at a reasonable hour, because you'll always have things
that you couldn't get to today that must wait. And it's also important
-- in fact, very important -- to realize that you're not Superman and
can't do everything in one day."

Many of us have been in a position where our boss, our
co-worker, a client or customer has asked us to do something that we
know is a bad idea or a complete waste of time. More often than not, we
bite our tongues for fear of being the office Debbie Downer. But if we can save the company from a giant public relations or financial fiasco, why shouldn't we speak up?

I
asked several professionals to share their experiences and tips on how
to turn a "No" into a suitable arrangement for you and your counterpart.

Diana Booher, author of the new book "Communicate with Confidence:

How to Say It Right the First Time and Every Time," has tips on how to handle a questionable work request.

1. Start on a positive note: Remember
to keep your body language and tone in check, and be supportive of a
new idea. Don't be defensive and go for the negative right away. Allow
yourself time to mull over what the person has said and see if you can
accommodate it in any way.

2. Learn to say "Yes, and ...":
Instead of offering up a "No" right away, go with a "Yes, and." Then,
explain how the work could be accomplished and if that means certain
elements would have to change or wait in order to complete the project
or task.

3. Offer explanations: This is another time to
watch your tone and body language. Explanations shouldn't be excuses,
nor should they focus solely on your lack of time or ability to get
certain tasks done. Sometimes people make unreasonable requests because
they don't have a grasp of the amount of work that goes into certain
projects. Help them understand the steps and time involved, and if
that's the solution they want, how it would affect the business overall.

4. Provide alternative solutions:
Focus on figuring out the other person's goal versus his course of
action. By understanding what he wants to achieve, you may be able to
come up with alternatives that are more cost-effective, timely and
manageable within your workload but provide the same results. By giving
these options, you can also be seen as a valuable resource with a vested
interest in either the company you work for or the client you are
working with.

5. End with goodwill: Always try to wrap up a
"no" conversation with a positive, and outline what you'll be able to
achieve and the next steps or timeline of milestones. If no alternatives
are possible, offer to join future discussions or talks -- that will
show that you're willing to be a partner in upcoming projects.

It's also worth investigating the "Disney Process," which Leigh Steer, co-founder of Managing
Better People LLC, recommends. She suggests that companies use this
process to uncover how some "pipe dreams" can be achievable.

It's
also good to note that regardless of the request origin -- even from
your boss -- don't think you cannot reach out to someone senior and ask
for help in setting priorities or coming up with a solution that will
address everyone's needs. By keeping a list of priorities, you're able
to document the things you've been asked for but also give realistic
expectations and deadlines to those who've asked for your help on
projects or tasks. Also, keeping a record of the request you receive
will hold you accountable. It can then be used to your benefit later
when negotiating for a raise or promotion.

Is that a co-worker knocking on your office door, or is it love? Turns out, theres a good chance it could be both.

Dating a colleague may be considered a faux pas at many companies,
but thats not stopping workers from doing it anyway. According to a new
CareerBuilder survey, interoffice dating is not only common, it has a
fairly high success rate. Thirty-eight percent of people surveyed said
theyd dated a co-worker at least once during their career and of those,
31 percent eventually went on to marry said co-worker. Still,
interoffice dating should be approached cautiously. Whether youre dating
someone higher up or a colleague at the same level, office romances are
always tricky, says Rosemary Haefner,vice presidentof human resources
at CareerBuilder.

First and foremost, it is important to know your companys office
dating policy. Remember to stay professional and draw a boundary line
between your personal life and the workplace. Want to know how many
people date the boss, what industries are most conducive to office
romance and where most relationships between co-workers begin? Check out
the infographic, below.

The
hug. It's a simple gesture that can make a happy situation happier or
help someone overcome with sadness feel a little better. Studies have
shown that hugs can actually make a difference in one's health; research
from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that a hug
can lower blood pressure and reduce the harmful physical effects of
stress.

Hugs are thought to be so beneficial, there's even a day dedicated to
celebrating the gift of a hug. Jan. 21 has been deemed "National
Hugging Day," and according to the organizer's website, the day was
"created for family and friends to hug often and freely with one
another."

Yet, when it comes to hugging in the workplace, the act may become
less of a kind gesture and more of a liability. According to a survey by
staffing agency The Creative Group, seven in 10 executives interviewed
said embracing co-workers in a business setting is inappropriate.

"The thing about hugging in the workplace is that if it makes anyone
uncomfortable, there can be legal ramifications," says Donna Flagg,
workplace communications expert and author of "Surviving Dreaded
Conversations." "And because of hostile work environment and sexual
harassment suits, innocent hugging is always vulnerable to being
construed as something else  that is, something not so innocent."

So is hugging a co-worker or showing any signs of physical affection
ever acceptable? Or is it better to avoid any gesture that could be
considered a personal-space invasion? While opinions may differ, here
are some things to think about when going in for an office hug.

Consider where you workTo determine if hugs are
tolerated in your workplace, first think about where you work. The type
of company it is and the culture it promotes may give you some clues as
to whether signs of affection would be acceptable. Is your company more
by-the-book, or is it laid back in its methods or practices? Does the
company culture encourage working in teams and being open to others, or
is it more of an independent, cut-throat, every-man-for-himself
environment?

In addition, the type of field you work in can make a difference. If
you work in a more corporate environment, affection may be frowned upon.
But some fields  health care, for instance  may be more open to
hugging, and the act may even be part of the job.

"In my world, there are times when hugging is the most appropriate
thing to do," says Dr. Diane Radford, a surgical oncologist specializing
in breast cancer. "There are times when I interact with patients that
giving or receiving a hug is part of the whole spectrum of communication
... A hug can be a reassuring way of indicating they will be OK, but
I'm there if they need me. One has to be astute and know when a hug is
the right thing to do. In my workplace, it often is the right thing to
do."

Take cues from othersIt's also important to keep
in mind that everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to
public displays of affection, especially with people who aren't family
or close friends. While you may love giving hugs, they may make your
cube mate uncomfortable.

"Recognizing that not everyone shares the same personal-boundary line
is essential to maintaining a pleasant and professional workplace
environment," says Roshini Rajkumar, a national speaker and
communication/image expert.

"Remember that personal touch is not about intention, but rather, how
it is perceived by the person receiving the touch. If they are
uncomfortable, then the touch is wrong. Be aware of co-workers' personal
boundaries before entering into a 'physical relationship' with them, no
matter how passive or limited the touch."

Respect cultural differencesSomeone's comfort
level for workplace affection may be influenced by their age, upbringing
or cultural background. While some cultures embrace hugging, others
show respect or thanks in other ways, so it's important to keep such
differences in mind.

Also consider one's gender and role within the company. Hugging
someone of another gender could more easily be misconstrued than hugging
someone of the same sex. There may be sensitivities around hugging a
boss or subordinate but not necessarily around hugging a peer.

"Keep in mind the recipient's gender and ethnicity," Rajkumar says.
"Different cultures have different boundaries ... Generations have
different expectations as well. Today's younger generation is more
touchy-feely, while the older generation is more formal."

Watch how you hugThere are different ways you
can hug someone, and they can mean different things. Hugging from the
front or back may be awkward, but a casual side hug could appear less
threatening and personal.

"A big smothering bear hug may not be appropriate, but the handshake
and one arm around the shoulder hug  which tends to be more of a
hit-and-run type of hug  could work fine," says Regina Barr, founder
and CEO of Red Ladder Inc., a consulting, executive coaching and
speaking company. "The latter hug might be more comfortable for folks in
the workplace, because it's a hybrid hug."

If in doubt, handshake it out"If you work in a
friendly/casual environment, you may be able to substitute hugging for
handshaking, but when in doubt, don't hug," Rajkumar suggests. "It's
usually best to err on the side of caution when it comes to physical
displays of affection. Consider a big smile and enthusiastically
clasping your hands together while you express gratitude verbally as an
alternative." Rajkumar also recomm

Much has been written about how to expand your professional network -- attend events,
make connections, build relationships, etc. Building your network, of
course, is worthwhile, but while you're busy looking for new
connections, don't overlook the older ones -- namely your former
co-workers.

Ongoing relationships with former co-workers "are the cornerstones of networking," says Jodi R. R. Smith, president
of Massachusetts-based Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. "They provide
resources for questions, industry trends and recommendations. And,
should you find yourself looking for work, they are your first line of
defense when job seeking."

Don't miss out on a great career resource by letting yourself fade away. Consider the following ways to stay connected:

1. Connect while you're still working togetherIt's
a lot cheaper to keep an existing customer than to acquire a new one.
Likewise, it's often much easier to maintain an existing professional
relationship than to start one from scratch. With that in mind, make it a
point to foster good relationships with your colleagues while you're
still working with them.

Granted, not every co-worker is going to
be a weekend friend. But you don't need to be joined-at-the-hip
confidants to have a mutually beneficial professional relationship. The
goal is to have people remember you fondly when they reflect on working
with you way back when.

2. Use social mediaNo longer
merely a dumping ground for random thoughts, social media sites are a
place where professionals connect and share ideas. Sites such as
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are a great way to maintain connections
to co-workers past. By friending them, following them or adding them to
your network, you ensure that you remain in touch.

Life coach
Jennifer Lee suggests creating a "former co-workers list" on Facebook
and using it to stay connected. "I look at my previous co-workers' posts
every day and make sure I comment on their posts as often as possible,"
Lee says. "Every week I choose a few to reach out to personally via a
Facebook message or phone call. I have received a ton of business and
personal referrals from my previous co-workers because I stay 'top of
mind.' "

LinkedIn is a great way to track the career triumphs of
former co-workers -- and spark conversations, said David T. Jones of
Chicago marketing firm Third Street.

"I
always send a note of congratulations when I see an old friend has been
promoted or started a new job. These notes have led to conversations
and business opportunities," Jones says.

3. Reach outYou
know that person -- the one who keeps you on the pay-no-mind list until
he needs a favor? Avoid being that person. Don't just sit silently on
someone's friends list only to chime in when it serves you. Communicate
regularly -- but don't overdo it -- and be sure that the bulk of your communication
has value for the former co-worker. Share some new information, wish
them a happy birthday, inquire about the kids or give them a good laugh.

"If you see something that reminds you of a former co-worker,
make an effort to reach out and tell them about it, especially if it's
funny," says Gillian Casten, founder of fitness reviews website
RateYourBurn.com. "If you can show someone you haven't forgotten about
them and make them laugh, it's a double whammy."

4. See each otherCommunicating in cyberspace is fine, but nothing compares to some good old-fashioned face time -- and no, not on your iPad.
Make attempts to see former co-workers every so often. Attend
networking events together, invite some former colleagues to a party
you're hosting or put together a fantasy football group to keep everyone
connected.

5. Lend a handLook for ways that you can
assist former co-workers -- we're talking about lending a hand in the
career realm. But feel free to baby-sit for them, help them move or
assist in applying sunscreen -- it's your call. Helping out needn't be
overly taxing or time-consuming -- make an introduction, forward some
pertinent information, let them know about job opportunities or send
some referral business their way. Let them know that you're a valuable
connection and that you're looking out for them. They are sure to
reciprocate. And if they don't, focus your energy on others.

No one is perfect. In trying to be the best version of
ourselves, we must occasionally fail and learn from our mistakes. Part
of this learning
process involves receiving criticism from others. While it can be
difficult to hear criticism from peers, co-workers, a manager or any
authority figure, there are often lessons to be learned from their
feedback.

In her book, "Communicate with Confidence," author Dianna Booher shares eight tips on how to accept and learn from criticism more easily:

1. Take a reality check:
You're asking for criticism on the job if you're typically late,
unprepared, disorganized, uncooperative, disrespectful of others or
apathetic toward your duties. If you think you're under constant
scrutiny, it may be worth evaluating whether the comments are true.
Think about how you can change your behavior to avoid such problems.

2. Stifle your denial and counterattack: If your manager
sits you down for a healthy dose of performance feedback, don't
immediately shut him down. Have an open mind, be willing to understand
his viewpoint and ask for elaboration. By choosing to "one up" the
person talking, you only aggravate what is likely an already awkward
situation.

3. Own up: Don't blame others for things you
can control. If you needed more help from teammates or co-workers on a
big project rollout, ultimately it's your responsibility to ask a
manager for help. Don't blame the folks in IT or design
over what is your responsibility. If a project fails to meet a deadline
or your manager's expectations, accept responsibility for your part.
Don't list all the reasons you're not at fault. Booher also says that
accepting blame in a superficial or sarcastic way doesn't fix a
long-term problem, and that convincing yourself that the issue is no big
deal perpetuates problematic behavior. However, there is a difference
between accepting responsibility and accepting blame. By disengaging
from the anger and resolving to help correct the situation, you move the
conversation beyond finger-pointing.

4. Get facts or descriptions, not opinions:
Opinions are assumptions made about you based on things that have
transpired; if you're receiving criticism, be sure to get details and
descriptions of the things that specifically caused the work problem.
Don't accept generalizations; instead, ask for clarity or specific
examples so that you're able to address issues in the future. This also
keeps the conversation focused on your work instead of your personality
or lifestyle.

5. Focus on the future: After owning up to a
mistake or situation that may have gone awry, rechannel your emotional
response and begin focusing logically on how to avoid such conflict in
the future. Ask your boss
what she might do in your shoes, agree on a plan for change and set
timelines to help reinforce positive change. Mapping out a course of
change is easier than just sitting at your desk and knowing you have to
do something differently.

6. Take your time: If you're not
sure whether to agree with someone's criticism, or if the person giving
it seems to be upset or angry about something else entirely, feel free
to take a moment to process it all. It's OK to acknowledge the criticism
and ask for time to think it over. Instead of immediately reacting,
your calm and collected demeanor can keep the issue from escalating or
extending beyond the facts at hand.

7. Keep your perspective:
As Booher suggests, "Either change your goal, change his or her opinion
or decide that this person's assessment doesn't count." Bitterness is
usually felt for things you can't -- or in some cases won't -- change.
It's also good to remember your list of strengths and not let one
weakness cloud over your positive traits or skills.

8. Evaluate word choice and body language:
When dealing with criticism, try to understand the person offering it
and the value of what is being said. By listening to the word choice and
observing body language,
you'll be able to tell if his comments are logical or emotional. "If
that person's intention is to help you improve, try to forget the
framework for the comments and latch on to the benefit," Booher says.
She also says that some people are more inept at offering criticism than
others. Some criticize just to criticize and pick apart someone's
lifestyle, behavior, appearance, etc., without sharing anything
constructive. It's important to remember that constructive criticism can help you improve your efforts in the workplace, but you shouldn't beat yourself up over one mistake.

By
listening to and accepting constructive criticism, you'll not only
improve your skills, but you'll also strengthen your ability to
communicate and handle conflict in the workplace.

Successful professionals often share man attributes: optimism,
helpfulness, commitment, perseverance. But sometimes, the good traits
you possess can work against you in the office.

For instance,
being known as a nice person is certainly a good thing. Being too much
of a pushover, on the other hand, may lead others to take advantage of
you by directing unwanted assignments your way. Being seen as someone
who's always "in the know" also sounds like a compliment -- unless you
earned the reputation by trolling for office gossip.

Below are
some other examples of positive attributes that can help you succeed in
your career, provided you know when and in what measure to apply them:

Attention to detailWhen
it comes to ensuring top-notch work, you're the champion. But getting
so caught up in confirming that every "t" is crossed and "i" is dotted
could be hurting, not helping, your co-workers. For example, if you
continually obsess over every minute detail before sending something out
the door, you may be putting deadlines at risk. Likewise, if you're
constantly double-checking their figures and reports, your colleagues
may assume you don't trust them to produce quality work.

There's
no doubt that producing error-free work is crucial to your company's
reputation and to your own. But your level of scrutiny should be based
on how important each assignment is to the business. For example, it
makes much more sense spending more time carefully editing a client presentation than a draft report to a co-worker in another department.

Self-confidenceYou
enjoy your job and take pride in being good at what you do. That
doesn't mean your ideas and approaches are always right. In fact,
insisting that they are is not only presumptuous but also rude to
colleagues who also have valuable input.

Another potential
pitfall: Self-confidence can lead to overconfidence. Take care not to
bite off more than you can chew just because you're convinced youcan handle anything and everything that comes your way. That's a quick path to disaster.

EnthusiasmWork
motivates you. Nothing is more satisfying than completing a project and
clearing your desk so you can take on the next challenge.

But an
upbeat attitude can backfire if you sugarcoat problems or make promises
you can't keep ("Sure, we can deliver twice as much in half the
time!"). An overly positive attitude isn't always realistic,
particularly if you don't give yourself the chance to vent frustration
or disappointment when faced with significant setbacks.

If you
lose a major client or are passed over for a promotion, take time to
acknowledge the loss, and then use that reflection period to develop a
plan for moving forward. Just be sure you don't dwell on a setback or
respond in an unprofessional way.

Level-headednessMultiple
deadlines? Heavy workloads? Demanding clients? "No problem!" you say.
"Bring it on!" While you may indeed have a higher-than-average tolerance
for stress, everyone has his or her limits.

Even if people look
to you to be their port in the storm -- and you relish that role --
there's nothing wrong with raising a warning flag in rough seas.
Doing so will do four important things: ensure that deadlines are met,
work quality doesn't slip, co-workers and clients aren't let down, and
you don't suffer a massive case of burnout.

JovialityYou love to make people laugh
-- in fact, levity should be your middle name. When things get
stressful at the office, you know just what to say to ease the tension.

Although
humor plays an important role in employee morale, timing is everything.
Know when a situation calls for a serious demeanor, no matter how
tempted you are to break the ice with a joke. And take care not to
offend co-workers you're trying to amuse. Everyone is different -- and
so are their senses of humor. Remember, it's much better to be viewed as
a quick wit than a clown.

Getting ahead in your career requires a
mix of positive qualities, but, as in all things, practice moderation.
After all, you can have too much of a good thing -- even the qualities
that make you successful at work.

Everybody has an opinion about what makes a good leader, but you know
one when you see one. You also know an incompetent boss when you see
one. If you've just started a new job, or you're working with a newly
promoted boss, what should you do if it's clear you know more than he
does? Don't resign just yet. There are plenty of ways to make the
relationship work for both of you.

Be an assetInstead of approaching your boss as
an obstacle to be dealt with, look at the relationship with an open,
positive mindset. What might seem like shortcomings in your boss may
actually be opportunities to complement his management style. Ken
Rupert, strategic life coach, offers these three tips:

"First, always understand you might know more in a given area or
discipline, but you do not know everything. Therefore, learning how to
manage the relationship between you and your new boss will ultimately
dictate the level of your success. Knowledge gets you in the door, [but]
relationships get you to the next floor.

"Second, learning how to coach up can position you as a thought
leader. If you develop the ability to coach your boss in areas where you
are more knowledgeable, you will be seen as a team asset and not a team
liability. Instead of telling the boss what he should or should not do,
phrase your statement in the form of a suggestion. This way, you
preserve the positional authority and plant the seeds of success in the
boss's mind. There may not be a lot of glory in this, but you will have
the ability to influence team success.

"Third, learn to give a little grace. No one has the same level of
experience as you do concerning you. Your boss will not know what you
know. Therefore, giving him or her a little grace to step on your toes
will go a long way. It also allows you to make a few mistakes along the
way without repercussions. Remember, this is a new relationship. First
impressions are filtered through each person's own filters. Learn to
look past first impressions, and give each other the room to grow. In
the end, managing relationships, coaching up and giving grace will
strengthen your new boss's commitment to you."

Embrace the dynamicBeyond learning how to work
alongside your less-knowledgeable boss, understand that the dynamic may
have been created on purpose.

"There's a great saying that goes, 'If you're the smartest person in
the room, you're in the wrong room,' says Nikolas Allen, marketing
expert for BAM! Small Biz Consulting.
"Good leaders know this. Just because a person is the boss does not
mean they have to be the smartest person in the room. They can hire
people who will add value, expertise and experience to the team. In
fact, a great boss -- one with plenty of confidence and people skills --
is able to surround herself with people who are smarter, or more
experienced, without fearing mutiny from the troops.

"Besides, in business, there are many responsibilities that each
position is accountable for. These things simply come with the territory
in the hierarchy of the business world. Leaders need to manage people,
projects and time, as well as delegate, communicate, facilitate and
plenty of other stuff that most employees don't have to -- and may not
want to -- concern themselves with."

By changing your perspective of and interactions with your boss, you
can create a successful dynamic that plays to both of your strengths and
benefits the company, making the relationship a win-win.

Most likely you were drawn to your profession because it enables you
to use your skills, knowledge and talents to their maximum potential.
But if lately you feel as though you're standing still or stuck in a
rut, it may be time to step back and evaluate your situation.

This type of objective, frank assessment can be challenging because,
when it comes to professional dissatisfaction, there may not be any
external factors you can point to as the source.

We can sometimes be our own worst enemies when it comes to job
satisfaction and career advancement. We set unreasonable expectations,
get caught in negative thought patterns or lose sight of our long-term
goals and aspirations. Internal factors such as these can stifle
motivation, hamper professional growth and curtail our progress.

Here are some of the most common ways professionals can
self-sabotage. If any of these seem familiar to you, use the tips below
to readjust your thinking and get out of your own way.

Setting goals without a plan for achieving themIt's
important to set short- and long-term goals, but that's not enough. If
you merely list your professional objectives and stop there, your
aspirations will likely be pushed to the backburner by day-to-day
demands and deadlines. Years may pass, and your goals will remain
unrealized.

To avoid this unhappy situation, anchor your goals to a specific plan
of action. Your plan should include interim objectives and deadlines.
This will help you stay on track and ensure that you maintain steady
progress.

Aiming too high (or too low)If you feel stuck or
trapped, it could be because you're over- or undershooting your target.
When you set goals that are not realistic, it's easy to become
discouraged and give up. On the flip side, setting goals that are too
easily achieved can leave you with the sense that there's nothing left
to do.

To remedy this situation, reassess your professional objectives in
light of your current situation. It may be time to envision the next
five or seven years and develop a fresh set of goals. Or you may decide
to scale back to better reflect real-life developments (such as a period
of unexpected employment or a change in job responsibilities).

Getting trapped in limiting thoughtsHow often do
you think to yourself, "I would do ..., but I can't" or "If only I were
..., I could ..." Such thoughts are draining and self-defeating. They
can cause you to dwell on your flaws and shortcomings.

Instead, focus on your strengths and abilities, concentrating on what
you can change. Reflect on what it took for you to reach this point in
your career and think about how you can direct your current skills
toward further growth. For example, if you have strong communication
skills, you could volunteer to lead project teams or give presentations
to prospective clients.

Staying in your comfort zoneSometimes it's fear
of failure or of making a mistake that holds people back. They stick
with the familiar, the tried-and-true. This strategy is safe but boring.
It zaps energy and initiative.

Try pushing yourself to take reasonable risks. For example, you may
decide to pursue a promotion. It will mean taking on additional
responsibilities, becoming more visible at the office and getting
involved in challenging assignments, but the pay-off will be well worth
it.

Undervaluing your skillsIt's good to be humble,
but it's easy to take this attitude too far and sell yourself short. You
may think you're not good enough to ask for a salary increase or a more
prominent position.

Avoid this debilitating tendency by knowing exactly what your skills and expertise are worth. Resources such as the 2013 Salary Guide from Robert Half and the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics will help you objectively benchmark your talents and level of experience.

The tendency to set up barriers to your own progress can be a
difficult habit to break, but once you experience some success with new
ways of thinking and behaving, you'll be inspired to continue. Instead
of getting in your own way, you'll blaze a bold new path toward
professional fulfillment.

Mobile technology and wireless communication are making it
easier for employees to work from virtually anywhere in the world today.
In fact, in a Robert Half survey, 33 percent of executives said that
remote work arrangements have increased at their companies over the past three years.

But despite the growing popularity of telecommuting,
it's not for everybody, and it's not without its challenges. If you're
new to working remotely, or you only do it from time to time, here are
tips on remaining productive and overcoming some common hurdles,
particularly if home base is, literally, your home.

Get off to a strong start each day. Just
because you have the freedom to spend the day in sweatpants and
slippers, that doesn't mean you should. Rather than rolling out of bed
and heading straight for the computer,
give yourself some prompts that it's time to make the transition from
personal to professional. Shower, groom and eat your breakfast.

In
short, get ready for the day just as you would if you were going into
the office. No, you don't need to sport a suit, but wearing the clothes
you sleep or work out in doesn't exactly help the brain snap into -- or
stay in -- work mode.

Force yourself to be disciplined.One
of the advantages of working from home is that you don't have to deal
with constant interruptions. There's no boss down the hall or chatty
co-worker in the next cube hounding you with countless questions. But
potential distractions of a different sort abound: the TV in the next room, that pile of laundry waiting to be put away or those YouTube clips of pets riding skateboards.

Stay
on track by creating a prioritized daily to-do list, establishing
interim goals for big projects and then holding yourself accountable for
meeting each self-imposed deadline. Taking scheduled breaks is a good
habit to get into as well. Maintaining a clutter-free work area,
minimizing multitasking and simply keeping your door closed also can
help.

One final efficiency tip: Limit Web surfing, particularly on social media
sites. They tend to be time traps. And because your activities are
easily tracked by colleagues who may also be Facebook friends, logging
on may give the impression that you're not really working.

Stick closely to a set schedule.Some
managers worry their employees slack off when they telecommute, but the
opposite is often true. To prove they're putting in their time, many
newbie telecommuters actually "overwork." And without the benefit of an
established routine or cues from colleagues, they end up working through
lunch or staying at their desk well past normal quitting time.

While
it's understandable that you want to prove yourself, your efforts to
impress will be counterproductive if you burn out. By stopping around
the same time each day, you'll keep your job from bleeding into what's
supposed to be your downtime.

In addition, as odd as it sounds,
don't bring work home with you. At the end of the day, shut off your
computer and move to a different room. Some people even find it
beneficial to run a quick errand or go for a walk. This serves as a
signal to leave "work" and return "home."

Finally, stay connected
to the office. Be accessible during core business hours and provide
frequent status updates. Look for opportunities to interact with your
manager and fellow teammates in person. Make a point of being in the
office when group activities, such as departmental lunch outings or
training sessions, are scheduled. Maintaining good rapport with
colleagues is critical whether you work from corporate headquarters or
your spare bedroom.

Whether you work for a large corporation or a small business,
you probably feel at least a little intimidated by your company's executive
team. After all, they not only call the shots, but they essentially
hold your job security and the future of your career in their hands.

As
daunted as you may feel at the prospect of networking with your
organization's higher-ups, getting to know them could be one of the best
things you do for your career.

"It is quite worthwhile to get to know senior leaders [at your company]," says John Millikin, clinical professor of management at Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business and former vice president of human resources
at Motorola. "From the leader's standpoint, by getting to know you as
more than a name on a roster, he or she can have a face and personality
in mind when making decisions that might affect you and your job. You,
conversely, begin to have a clearer understanding of who this leader is
and how she or he thinks. This can be very helpful in better aligning
your actions with the goals of the firm. The leader may also gain from a
connection with you, because he or she is getting an unfiltered view
from the 'floor,' which can be very helpful."

So how do you form relationships with the upper management at your company? Consider the do's and don'ts of networking up.

Do find a mentor: Having
a mentor in a management position at your company is helpful, because
he can introduce you to other executives with whom you may not have a
chance to interact.

"From my experience, working in a corporate
position as a banker for many years, networking with higher-ups works,"
says Alexandra Figueredo, motivation and success coach and author
of "Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece." "I was mentored by a
senior officer, and she pushed me to meet periodically with every one of
the senior executives at my company. I was scared to death at first.
But within a few months, I was meeting with the top five executives of
my company, including the CEO and [chief financial officer]. Eventually,
I used their insight and guidance to get promoted within the company."

Don't be a brown-noser: Though
networking up is a good career strategy, trying to get an "in" with
management shouldn't monopolize your workday. You don't want to develop a
reputation as the office politico -- that won't sit well with
colleagues or executives.

"Building relationships and networking
within an organization can be quite important in a career," Millikin
says. "But that doesn't mean that you should spend all your time playing
politics in the negative sense of the word. Good working relationships
facilitate communication
and understanding in an organization, enhancing efficiency. Carried to
an extreme, of course, it can become counterproductive. Relationships
need to be sincere and transparent. Nobody likes someone who is
obviously ingratiating and always agreeing with the boss."

Do create opportunities to network: If
you don't have a chance to interact with your CEO on a daily basis,
look for ways to do so outside of work. "Employees can network with
executives in their own companies by joining and/or heading up
committees that are companywide that will have to report to upper
management," says Cheryl Palmer, owner of career-coaching firm Call to
Career. "This will give employees visibility with the higher-ups as well
as networking opportunities."

Other places to "run into" executives? The company gym, office-sponsored happy hours and corporate charity events.

Don't flaunt your connections: "It
might make colleagues uncomfortable if you are chummy with the CEO or
other senior people, so you want to make sure you're not gloating about
the relationship, or you're not using it as an excuse to not pull your
own weight," says Carolina Ceniza-Levine, co-founder of career-coaching
firm SixFigureStart.

Do prepare for meetings with executives: If
you have the opportunity to meet with a company executive, make the
most of it. "It's important to think strategically about the meeting,"
says Bobbie LaPorte, founder of leadership development firm RAL &
Associates and former executive at GE and IBM. "In order to prepare,
define your goal in meeting with them and assess what expertise, insight
[and] connections you can potentially offer them -- we all have
something to offer. Bring an agenda or plan to the meeting."

LaPorte also suggests researching
the executive you're meeting with through LinkedIn or company
information, so you can find out who the person is, what she likes to do
and what goals she has for the company.

Adds Ceniza-Levine,
"Keep abreast of what's happening in your company and industry, so you
will have something to talk about when you do inevitably meet senior
people."

At work, there are some topics of conversation that need to
be approached cautiously, if at all. Your definitive list of "reasons
why your boss sucks," your religious beliefs and your feelings about
"The Real Housewives," for example, are all probably better left off of
the conversation menu. Expressing your views on these polarizing topics
can lead to some pretty intense discussions.

Another topic that's taboo at the office? Politics. Like trying to
argue the merit of Teresa Giudice to a "RHONJ" hater, telling a
Republican colleague that there's much more to President Barack Obama
than a soulful set of pipes is just asking for an argument. And who
wants to spend an entire afternoon passive-aggressively arguing with a
co-worker?

A lot of people, apparently. According to CareerBuilder's new survey
on talking politics at the office, 36 percent of workers admit to
discussing politics at work, while 46 percent say they plan to talk
about this year's presidential election with their co-workers.

Though not all political discussions lead to bickering, play with
fire and eventually you're going to get burned. Of those who confessed
to playing David Gregory's advocate in the office, 23 percent said it
led to a heated debate or a fight with a colleague.

If you just can't help but get excited each time Mitt Romney wins
another red state, keep an open mind and respectful demeanor if you
decide to discuss it at the office.

"Most workers opt to keep political debates outside of the
workplace," says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at
CareerBuilder. "Anytime you're dealing with subject matter that is
sensitive or potentially inflammatory, it's important to always be
respectful of your colleagues' opinions and avoid emotionally charged
exchanges."

Joseph Grenny, co-author of the New York Times bestseller, "Crucial
Conversations," agrees that politics can be a touchy subject for a lot
of people, and keeping a level head during these conversations is key.
"Look at the situation from your co-worker's perspective by asking
yourself why a reasonable and rational person would hold that political
view. While you don't have to agree with their view, you can still
acknowledge that it is valid."

Have a tendency to let your strong opinions get the best of you? Make
it through election year with your work relationships intact by
following these additional tips:

1. Look for areas of agreement. "Begin by reinforcing the basic
values and purposes you hold in common," Grenny says. "Let your
co-worker know you share common goals, even if your preferred tactics
for achieving them differ."

2. Focus on facts. "We've all become masters at spin detection, and
none of us like when people exaggerate, twist and spin the facts.
Consider the source of your facts, and ask your co-worker to do the
same," Grenny says.

3. Keep it safe by looking for signs of silence or violence. "If your
co-worker grows quiet or starts to become defensive, step out of the
content of the discussion and restore safety," Grenny says. "Reinforce
your respect for them, and remind them of the broader purpose you both
share."

Right now, every job opening gets about seven eligible
applicants*, which means you can't afford to do anything but your best
work. If that means asking for more direction from your boss, don't be
shy, or you might just shy away from having a job.

Whether you
have an absentee, extremely busy or downright horrible boss, there are a
few tactful ways to get more guidance from your hands-off manager.

First,
be realistic. Chances are your boss doesn't have time to make you his
protégé, offering step-by-step guidance on your tasks. Find a balance
that works for both you and your boss. For every inch that your boss
gives you, stretch your own skills as a self-starter to be as efficient
as possible. Consider these seven tips to adapt to a laissez-faire
manager and become a go-getter:

1. Be mindful of her time.
You can extract more information from your boss if you pay attention to
her schedule. Is there a particular time in the day when she is less
busy, maybe just after lunch or as the day is winding down? If you
discuss your project with your boss willy-nilly, you may be
interrupting.

2. Craft good questions. After you've delved
into the project, write up a list of questions and then rewrite them in
as few words as possible. This way, you'll ask questions that tackle the
core of the project as concisely as possible.

You should not ask
for direction without first trying to understand the task at hand.
You'll go much further if you can discuss the project with the
higher-ups by asking questions like, "Here's my understanding of the
project; is this what you're looking for?" versus, "What should I do?"
or, "How should I start?"

3. Practice self-starting. Being a
self-starter is a coveted attribute, especially for those looking to
attain leadership roles. It means that you're capable of identifying
tasks to be completed and seeing them through to produce positive
results with minimum cost of management time.

4. Don't butt heads.
While becoming a self-starter means running with your ideas to complete
a task, make sure that your ideas don't conflict with your boss's
ideas. If he has a different method in mind, abide by his suggestion, to
show that you're a team player. Most of all, aim to stay on the same
page.

5. Set personal deadlines. Once you have a handle on
the project, push yourself by creating short deadlines -- especially if
you work best under pressure. Allowing ample time may leave too much
room for procrastination.

6. Don't fear failure. If you
find yourself way off base during a project, figure out what went wrong
and do your best to apply the lesson to projects in the future.

7. Schedule performance reviews.
After you've completed a few projects, schedule a meeting with your
boss to ask for feedback on how you've been doing. This is the only way
to know where you stand. Remember: In the office, no news is not good
news, so prepare for your performance review.

In his book, "Stepping Up: How Taking Responsibility Changes
Everything," John Izzo, Ph.D., puts the emphasis back on the individual
to change their own life, and especially their career.

Have you
ever thought, "This job would be so much better if my boss would do
ABC," or "If the marketing team would actually help me, I would be able
to sell more XYZ"? No matter what the thought, Izzo says that we should
ditch the helpless attitude and resolve to do something about it.

According
to Izzo's research, many people wait for the perfect plan to
materialize before taking action, and the "sit and wait" method is one
of our greatest roadblocks to success. Here are ways you can take
control of your career destiny:

Create your ideal solution. Change
often comes from one idea. If you have ideas about how your job could
be better, whether by improving a work process or creating efficiencies
and reducing costs, share them with your boss. Your ability to show
initiative and creativity will only benefit you long-term, because you'll be noticed as an employee who goes above and beyond.If
your boss gives you the green light to spearhead a new initiative, rely
on her for support and guidance. Ask for input on how to mark
milestones or what a realistic deadline for the project would be.

Be open to changes, improvements and feedback. When
you take on a more active role by asking questions and suggesting
change, be prepared for some potential negativity. Some people like the
status quo, and they may be afraid you'll either put them out of a job
or require them to take on more work. To encourage more collaboration,
ask for input or see what ideas others have to improve or possibly alter
your original idea. The odds of universal satisfaction may be slim, but
being open to group discussion will show you're working toward the
greater good.

It's possible that as you work to improve one
process or series of tasks, you may stumble upon more problems. When
this happens, determine what workarounds are possible. Be willing to
table those insurmountable issues, but alert the project manager about these so the success of the larger project isn't delayed.

Remember the alternative. Often
when you initiate a change at work or in your personal life, you did it
because you were tired of the present conditions and you want to
improve your life or the life of others. Times will get tough, and there
will be points where you hit so many walls that you want to give up,
but you have to remember the past and think about the alternative.

In his book,
Izzo says that leadership is not a position. It's up to an individual
to choose to take the reins of a project or task and run with it. Izzo
gives these three tips for stepping up:

1. State your intention and write it down. Once it's written, it's a commitment for change.

2.
Go above your position and weight. Go bigger and try harder than your
role commands of you, and know that as you strive to be better, the
money will follow.

3. Remember your influence no matter
your role. You may not think that you can change anything in your
current role, but remember that your voice does count for something.
Sometimes all it takes is one person to ignite change.